Chasing A Runaway Mate

Chapter 9

Wren

Wren was struggling to get his head in the game. His usual calm demeanor was frazzled by the presence of his mate's brother. It didn't help matters that Black was preoccupied with his own mate. Wren knew the Luna was in the early stages of her pregnancy so didn't blame the Alpha for being terse. Being reminded of his mate who refused to even speak with him, never mind accepting him was just a bit too much.

Wren watched as Black finally entered the tent where the assembled team leaders were discussing tactics. He had to shake his head to try and refocus on what was being said.

"So that will give you and your team a gap to slip in, Commander Wren," Commander Peter said.

"What? Uh, yes, Commander Peter. Sean, Callum and Gideon will accompany me as we infiltrate the pack-house."

"And you are sure he will be there and not on the battlefield?"

"Ivan knows he cannot win this fight. He will stay at the pack-house for as long as possible watching other men die for him. He won't flee until the last moment. He might be a coward but his pride demands he hold on to his territory for as long as possible," Black interjected.

'"I still think you should take more men with you, Wren. There's no telling how many Enforcers Ivan will keep with him."

"We will manage just fine, Peter. This won't be the first time we enter a battle outnumbered."

"Very well, then. But take coms with you. We will have to be able to communicate."

"Wait, you can't mind-link one another?" Dimitri asked.

"We haven't sworn allegiance to any Alpha. That comes with some cons," Peter answered.

"But you're all working for the Council?"

"Alpha Black, please explain this to your Beta. I have more important things to do." Commander Peter nodded at the men before making a quick exit.

"Dimitri, the goal of the Council is to make sure that our communities co-exist peacefully. We cannot do that if there was only one person in charge. I've always seen it as ironic that our way of life is determined by the rule of Alphas when in the end we are all governed by a more democratic system," Wren explained.

"And you are all OK with not being part of a pack?"

"There are more ways to be a wolf than follow an Alpha."

Black gave Wren a warning look. "I'm just saying, Black. There is room in this world for those of us who choose to live the pack-life and those who choose not to."

"Don't you ever tell Kat I said this, D, but I think she was right." Wren jerked as if being slapped. It was like a knife to the heart hearing his mate's name. Black suggesting that she was right in not accepting Wren as her mate, twisted it painfully. Baring his teeth, Wren walked up to Black until the men practically stood chest to chest. Black might be an Alpha and taller, but Wren was not about to let the insult slide.

"Careful, Alpha. You don't want to get yourself injured before the battle has even started," Wren gritted out.

"Whoa there, lads." Dimitri pushed in between the men, trying to disarm the situation. "I think you are misunderstanding my Alpha, Commander."

"I don't think so, Beta." Wren's canines were elongating and spit flew as he spoke.

"If you cannot keep a level head, Wren, you should sit this one out. Dimitri is right. You misunderstood me. I was referring to my sister's decision to train at the Council to become an Enforcer. I always thought that the way of pack-life was the only way for our kind to live. But my sister has come to a different conclusion."

It was like being doused by a bucket of ice water. Suddenly Wren's mind was cleared of the haze that his anger had caused. Was it possible? Did he hear correctly? Was Katina going to train at the Council. She knew he lived and worked there. For the first time since Kat walked away from him, Wren felt like there could be hope.

"What do you mean?"

"I don't think anything has been arranged yet. I got a call earlier from Kat. She asked for my blessing for her to train at the Council to become an Enforcer."

So it was true. His mate would be within reach. Wren would have a chance to get to know her. She would get to know him. Maybe, just maybe she would eventually come to accept Wren as her mate.

Wren looked at Black and found the Alpha studying him closely.

"My sister has a chance to find her way. If I get word that you have hindered her in any way, you will have me and the full force of the Renegade Pack to deal with. Is that clear?" Black's words hung in the air like the threat they were.

"Crystal." As much as Wren wanted to give Black a piece of his mind, and maybe his fist, if all went well the man might become his brother-in-law in the future. It would be stupid to get on his wrong side.

Wren listened to the soft thuds as snow fell on his tent. It was past midnight, but he was wide awake. As much as he needed to focus on tomorrow, he couldn't help but dream about seeing his mate again. Even the way the light bounced off the snow and ice reminded him of her. It glowed silver just like her hair. But he knew that she would not be cold and unforgiving like the winter. He was sure that underneath she would be warm and loving.

Turning on his side, Wren forced his eyes closed and concentrated on his breathing. It helped to calm his excited mind. However, the call to wake came before he could find solace in sleep. Groaning at himself, Wren stretched as he got up from his cot. As he exited the tent, he inhaled deeply, allowing the crisp air to wake him up fully. He was ready to get this fight over and get back to winning over his mate.